Hackensack Meridian Health Honors Military Heroes with Memorial Day Ceremonies

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May 26, 2017

In remembrance of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country, Hackensack Meridian Health held Memorial Day Ceremonies to honor its team members who are also military heroes. The solemn ceremonies were conducted in military fashion by uniformed members of the Hackensack Meridian Health family, who are part of the Military Honor Guard.

The Memorial Day ceremonies, were held at three Hackensack Meridian Health hospitals, including: Hackensack University Medical Center, Palisades Medical Center and Jersey Shore University Medical Center. John K. Lloyd, co-CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health and veteran of the United States Marines delivered the keynote address at Hackensack University Medical Center and Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

“Hackensack Meridian Health is taking the time to recognize our country’s fallen heroes, especially the loved ones of our team members who proudly served,” said John Lloyd. “As we reflect on the sacrifices of others, we remember the fallen heroes and to pray that no heroes will ever have to die for us again. This is a day to be with members of our hospital family and remember all whom have given the ultimate sacrifice in the name of this great country.”

“The service members we honor came from all walks of life, but they shared several fundamental qualities – courage, pride, determination, selflessness, dedication to duty and integrity – all the qualities needed to serve a cause larger than one’s self,” said Anthony Passannante, M.D., vice president of Medical Affairs and chief medical officer, Hackensack Meridian Health Palisades Medical Center. “They were called to be part of something bigger than themselves. They were ordinary people who responded in extraordinary ways in extreme times. They rose to the nation’s call because they wanted to protect a nation which has given them – and all of us – so much.”

During each of the three services, a flag folding ceremony was held with a United States flag, which was presented to representatives at each hospital, in recognition of the support given to veterans and those who have made sacrifices in the name of our country. The flags presented to Hackensack University Medical Center and Palisades Medical Center had been flown during combat in Iraq. At Jersey Shore University Medical Center, a table, called the Missing Man Table was set. During the ceremony at Hackensack University Medical Center Individuals went forth to place roses for their loved ones and fellow troops who have passed away. These roses were solemnly placed on the Memorial in the main Lobby. At Palisades Medical Center, individuals went forth to toss roses into the Hudson River, with a Naval Vessel in the backdrop, in remembrance of their loved ones and fellow troops who have passed away.

PHOTO 1:
The Hackensack Meridian Health Military Honor Guard participated in a Memorial Day Ceremony in the lobby of Hackensack University Medical Center.

Front row, from left to right: Anthony Bells, United States Army; Jason Kreitner, vice president and senior operations officer, Hackensack University Medical Center; Dianne Aroh, executive vice president, chief clinical and patient care officer, Clinical and Patient Care Services at Hackensack University Medical Center; John K. Lloyd, co-CEO, Hackensack Meridian Health and veteran of the United States Marines; Lisa Tank, M.D., vice president of Medical Affairs and chief of the Division of Geriatric Medicine at Hackensack University Medical Center; and Robert Rubin, United States Navy.

Back row, from left to right:
Richard Tea, United States Army; Christopher Chan, United States Marines; Raymond Koonce; United States Army; Don Fleischer, United States Army; Bryant Cyriax-Rodriguez, United States Navy; Frank Belluardo, U.S. Army; Dionne Dixon-Jeffrey, United States Army; Matthew Morales, United States Marines; ­­ John Harley, United States Army; Daniel Dulude, United States Air Force; Tony Steiner, United States Army; Francisco Maciel, United States Army; Sergio Lebron, United States Marines ; and Gordon Huie, United States Air Force.

PHOTO 2:
The Hackensack Meridian Health Military Honor Guard participated in a Memorial Day Ceremony on the grounds of Palisades Medical Center near the Hudson River.

From left to right: Don Fleischer, United States Army; Daniel Dulude, United States Air Force; Christopher Chan, United States Marines; Matthew Morales, United States Marines; Robert Rubin, United States Navy; Anthony Passannante, M.D., vice president, Medial Affairs and chief medical officer, Palisades Medical Center; Francisco Maciel, United States Army; Sergio Lebron, United States Marines; and Gordon Huie, United States Air Force.

PHOTO 3:
The Hackensack Meridian Health Military Honor Guard participated in a Memorial Day Ceremony at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

Front row from left to right: Gordon Huie, United States Air Force; Christopher Chan, United States Marines; Sharon Rodriguez, United States Army; Renita Antoine, United States Army; Elizabeth Costanza, United States Air Force; Patricia Wesch, United States Air Force; and Don Fleischer, United States Army.

Back row, from left to right:
John K. Lloyd, co-CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health and veteran of the United States Marines; Christine Byrne, co-chair of Veterans at Hackensack Meridian Health team member resource group; Barbara Graham, cultural diversity generalist; David Robinson, retired United States Air Force and chairman of Veterans at Hackensack Meridian Health team member resource group; Timothy Hogan, president of Riverview Medical Center and Bayshore Medical Center; Robert Hardy, veteran of the United States Army; Sherrie String, chief human resources officer and executive vice president, Hackensack Meridian Health.

ABOUT HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTHHackensack Meridian Health is a leading not-for-profit health care organization that is the most comprehensive and truly integrated health care network in New Jersey, offering a complete range of medical services, innovative research and life-enhancing care. Hackensack Meridian Health comprises 13 hospitals, including two academic medical centers, two children’s hospitals and nine community hospitals, physician practices, more than 120 ambulatory care centers, surgery centers, home health services, long-term care and assisted living communities, ambulance services, lifesaving air medical transportation, fitness and wellness centers, rehabilitation centers, and urgent care and after-hours centers. Hackensack Meridian Health has 28,000 team members, more than 6,000 physicians and is a distinguished leader in health care philanthropy, committed to the health and well-being of the communities it serves.

The Network’s notable distinctions include having one of only five major academic medical centers in the nation to receive Healthgrades America’s 50 Best Hospitals Award for five or more consecutive years, the number one hospital in New Jersey as ranked by U.S. News and World Report, consistently achieving Magnet® recognition for nursing excellence from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, recipient of the John M. Eisenberg Award for Patient Safety and Quality from The Joint Commission and the National Quality Forum, a six-time recipient of Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work For,” one of the “20 Best Workplaces in Health Care” in the nation, and the number one “Best Place to Work for Women.” Hackensack Meridian Health is a member of AllSpire Health Partners, an interstate consortium of leading health systems, to focus on the sharing of best practices in clinical care and achieving efficiencies.